NTPC, the leading power producer in India, is looking for international collaborators to construct large nuclear reactors with a total capacity of approximately 15 gigawatts (GW), as per a tender, marking the first significant initiative since the country began to liberalize its tightly controlled sector.
The government-operated firm, primarily operating coal-fired power stations, is seeking collaborators to assist in establishing nuclear power plants using pressurized water reactor technology and also to ensure a continuous supply of nuclear fuel, according to the tender.
The partner must obtain clearance from relevant authorities in their home country and adhere to Indian regulations, which include possessing or acquiring a license for the technology offered, NTPC stated in the tender released last week.
India's Atomic Energy Act of 1962 prohibits private investments in nuclear power facilities, and strict liabilities outlined in the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 discourage foreign companies like GE and Westinghouse.
In early February, India announced it would modify its nuclear liability legislation to enhance foreign and private investments.
At present, the Nuclear Power Corp of India, a government entity, is the exclusive operator of the nation’s almost 8 GW capacity, planning to expand it to 20 GW by 2032. India aims to achieve a minimum of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by the year 2047.
NTPC aims to develop 30 GW of capacity in the next twenty years for an expenditure of $62 billion, according to a report by Reuters in February.